Dial plate with diffuse lighting

ABSTRACT

A system for providing diffuse light to a dial plate of a meter is disclosed. The system includes a light-guide and a light source. The light from the light source enters the light-guide and exits the light-guide to illuminate a curved peripheral portion of a dial plate with a diffuse light.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to motor vehicles and in particular to asystem for lighting a dial plate of a meter.

2. Description of Related Art

Lighting systems for lighting meters associated with a dashboard of amotor vehicle have been previously proposed. Yoshida et al. (JapanesePatent Number 60,239,605) is directed to a system for improvingvisibility of an indicator position. Yoshida teaches an indicatingmember disposed on the periphery of an indicating plate.

Yoshida teaches a system including a light transmissible indicator thatis associated with an indicating dial plate. Yoshida teaches that agreater part of the dial plate is flat, while an outside peripheryincludes an inclined part that is printed with characters. Light isemitted at a light source and transferred through a light-guiding plate.Yoshida teaches that light is only reflected onto the inclined part andthe rest of the dial plate remains dark. Yoshida teaches a dial platethat has an inclined part that extends below the base of the dial plate.The light-guiding plate Yoshida teaches is oriented to direct light downonto the inclined part of the dial plate.

Ikarashi et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,959,995) is directed to an illuminatingapparatus. Ikarashi teaches a dial constituting a display member that isconfigured to be illuminated by light emitting diodes. Ikarashi teachesa dial constituting a display member configured to be illuminated by thelight emitting diodes positioned at a rear side of the dial. Inparticular, index portions are illuminated by reflecting light fromreflecting portions and by transmitting light through a light-guidemember. This system allows the light to be efficiently guided from thelight emitting diodes to the interior of a hollow portion to illuminatethe index portions.

Both Yoshida and Ikarashi lack provisions for providing diffuse light onan outer curved portion of a dial plate. There is a need in the art fora solution to this problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for providing diffuse lighting for a dial plate is disclosed.Generally, this system can be used in connection with a motor vehicle.The invention can be used in connection with a motor vehicle. The term“motor vehicle” as used throughout the specification and claims refersto any moving vehicle that is capable of carrying one or more humanoccupants and is powered by any form of energy. The term motor vehicleincludes, but is not limited to cars, trucks, vans, minivans, SUVs,motorcycles, scooters, boats, personal watercraft, and aircraft.

In one aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle, comprising: adial plate including a central portion and a curved peripheral portiondisposed radially away from the central portion; a light-guide disposedradially inward of the curved peripheral portion, the light-guide beingconfigured to receive light from at least one light source; and wherethe light-guide includes a light exiting portion that is orientedtowards the curved peripheral portion.

In another aspect, the light-guide is configured to direct light in adirection having a radial component and an axial component.

In another aspect, the light-guide is disposed proximally to the curvedperipheral portion.

In another aspect, the light-guide has a ring-like shape.

In another aspect, the light-guide includes an opaque portion configuredto prevent light from escaping from at least one portion of thelight-guide.

In another aspect, the light-guide includes a base portion disposedadjacent to the central portion.

In another aspect, the base portion includes a color printing to colorlight passing through the base portion.

In another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle, comprising: adial plate including a central portion and a curved peripheral portiondisposed radially away from the central portion; an outer radial portionof the curved peripheral portion and an inner radial portion of thecurved peripheral portion; a light-guide disposed radially inward of thecurved peripheral portion; the light-guide including a light exitingportion configured to illuminate the curved peripheral portion,including the inner radial portion and the outer radial portion; andwhere the inner radial portion is associated with a first brightnessthat is substantially equal to a second brightness associated with theouter radial portion.

In another aspect, an illuminated region associated with the curvedperipheral is associated with a generally diffuse light pattern.

In another aspect, the illuminated region covers a majority of thecurved peripheral portion.

In another aspect, the illuminated region is associated with at leastone indicia disposed on the curved peripheral portion.

In another aspect, the curved peripheral portion includes anintermediate radial portion disposed between the outer radial portionand the inner radial portion.

In another aspect, the intermediate radial portion is associated with athird brightness that is substantially similar to the first brightnessand the second brightness.

In another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle, comprising: adial plate including a central portion and a curved peripheral portiondisposed radially away from the central portion; a light-guide disposedradially inward of the curved peripheral portion, the light-guide beingconfigured to direct light towards the curved peripheral portion; thelight-guide having a base portion and a top portion; the base portionbeing disposed adjacent to a first side of the central portion withrespect to an axial direction; a top portion extending a first axialheight above the central portion; an inner radial portion of the curvedperipheral portion that is disposed adjacent to the first side of thecentral portion with respect to the axial direction; an outer radialportion extending a second axial height above the central portion; andwhere the second axial height is greater than the first axial height.

In another aspect, the light-guide includes a light exiting portion thatis oriented towards the curved peripheral portion.

In another aspect, the inner radial portion is associated with a firstbrightness.

In another aspect, the outer radial portion is associated with a secondbrightness.

In another aspect, the first brightness is substantially equal to thesecond brightness.

In another aspect, the light-guide includes a rear portion that includesa hot silver stamp.

In another aspect, the light-guide is disposed proximally to the curvedperipheral portion.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention willbe, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features andadvantages be included within this description and this summary, bewithin the scope of the invention, and be protected by the followingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views.

FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a meter with a dial plate and aneedle;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a cross section of an embodiment of ameter;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a of a dial platewith a light-guide; and

FIG. 4 is an embodiment of a meter illuminated with a diffuse light.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of meter 100. Meter 100 may beassociated with a motor vehicle of some kind. Generally, meter 100 couldbe associated with any type of motor vehicle, including, but not limitedto, cars, trucks, vans, minivans, SUVs, motorcycles, scooters, boats,personal watercraft, and aircraft.

Generally, meter 100 may be placed in any location in a motor vehiclevisible to a driver or passenger. In some embodiments, meter 100 may bedisposed on a central console of a motor vehicle. In other embodiments,meter 100 may be disposed on a ceiling console of a motor vehicle. In anembodiment, meter 100 may be disposed on an instrument panel situated ona dashboard of a motor vehicle.

Generally, meter 100 may be any type of device configured to conveyinformation to a driver or passenger. In some embodiments, meter 100 maybe a tachometer. In other embodiments, meter 100 may be a fuel gauge. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 1, meter 100 is a speedometer and displaysthe instantaneous speed of a motor vehicle. In some cases, meter 100 mayinclude an odometer. For the sake of clarity, an odometer is notincluded in this embodiment.

Meter 100 may be associated with dial plate 102. Dial plate 102 mayinclude central portion 110. Additionally, dial plate 102 may includecurved peripheral portion 112. In some embodiments, curved peripheralportion 112 is disposed radially away from central portion 110.

In some embodiments, dial plate 102 may include numerical values,indication marks or other indicia to indicate, for example, a vehicularspeed. In some cases, numerical values may be printed on central portion110. In other cases, numerical values may be printed on another portionof dial plate 102. In some embodiments, numerical values are printed oncurved peripheral portion 112.

Meter 100 may also be associated with needle 106. In someembodiments,needle 106 extends radially from a central location oncentral portion 110. Generally, needle 106 may be configured to rotatewith respect to dial plate 102. With this arrangement, needle 106 isconfigured to indicate a vehicle speed by pointing to numerical valuesor indication marks printed on curved peripheral portion 112.Additionally, needle 106 could be configured to point to various indiciadisposed on central portion 110 of dial plate 102.

In some embodiments, a meter includes provisions to ensure visibilityduring low light situations. In some embodiments, a dial plate may beconfigured with backlighting to illuminate portions of the dial plate.In some cases, printing on a dial plate may be transparent so lightingbehind the dial plate causes the printing to be illuminated. In otherembodiments, a meter may include cabaret or theater style lighting fromabove and spot light the surface of a dial plate. In some embodiments, ameter may be associated with evenly distributed diffuse lighting.

In some embodiments, a light-guide may be disposed on a central portionof a dial plate proximate to a curved peripheral portion to providediffuse lighting to a portion of the dial plate. By locating alight-guide radially inward of a curved peripheral portion of a dialplate, the light-guide may be configured to direct light onto the curvedperipheral portion. In other embodiments, a light-guide may be disposeda greater distance from a curved peripheral portion. With thisarrangement, portions of a central portion may also be illuminated.Generally, a light-guide may be disposed in any location on a dial platein order to illuminate particular portions of a dial plate with an evendiffuse light.

In some embodiments, dial plate 102 includes light-guide 116. In someembodiments, light-guide 116 is disposed proximate to curved peripheralportion 112 on central portion 110. In particular, light-guide 116 maybe disposed radially inward of curved peripheral portion 112. Generally,light-guide 116 may be shaped in any manner to provide diffuse light toa desired portion of dial plate 102. In some cases, light-guide 116 maybe disposed in a partial circle radially around dial plate 102. In someembodiments, light-guide 116 extends in a ring-like manner proximate tocurved peripheral portion 112. With this arrangement, light-guide 116may be configured to project diffuse light on curved peripheral portion112 of dial plate 102.

In some embodiments, substantially transparent materials may be used toconstruct a portion or all of light-guide 116. Generally, any materialthat is substantially transparent may be used. In some embodiments, forexample, light-guide 116 may be made of transparent plastic. In somecases, polycarbonate may be used. In an embodiment, light-guide 116 maybe constructed from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section of an embodiment of meter 100. Case212 is visible in this view and may be attached to second side 272 ofdial plate 102. Case 212 and dial plate 102 may encompass interiorcavity 210 of meter 100. In some embodiments, interior cavity 210 may beassociated with structural components 207 to support dial plate 102.

In the current embodiment, interior cavity 210 includes wall 205. Insome embodiments, wall 205 houses components necessary for thefunctioning of meter 100. For example, in the current embodiment, wall205 houses shaft 206. Generally, shaft 206 may be configured to turnneedle 106 so that needle 106 indicates the speed of the motor vehicle.In some cases, shaft 206 may be connected to a motor configured torotate shaft 206 according to instructions from an on-board computer. Inother embodiments, other components necessary for the functioning ofmeter 100 may be housed within interior cavity 210.

In some embodiments, an interior cavity may be associated with lightsources configured to provide light for a light-guide. In someembodiments, a plurality of light sources may be configured to providelight for a light-guide. In some cases, the plurality of light sourcesmay be disposed in a radial pattern similar to the shape of thelight-guide. In other embodiments, a single light source may beconfigured to supply light to a light-guide. Generally, a light-guidemay be configured to receive light from at least one light source.

Interior cavity 210 may be associated with light sources 202. In someembodiments, light sources 202 may be disposed on a portion of printedcircuit board 204 disposed within interior cavity 210. In thisembodiment, light sources 202 may include first light source 251 andsecond light source 252 disposed below central portion 110. In someembodiments, light sources 251 and 252 are configured to illuminateinterior cavity 210 and provide light for light-guide 116. Thisarrangement allows light-guide 116 to illuminate curved peripheralportion 112.

While this embodiment includes light sources 251 and 252 as lightsources for light-guide 116, in other embodiments light-guide 116 mayreceive light from any number of light sources. Additionally, it shouldbe understood that light sources 251 and 252 may also be configured toprovide light to other portions of dial plate 102 in some embodiments.In some cases, light from light sources 251 and 252 could be configuredto provide backlighting to one or more portions of central portion 110.

In some embodiments, meter 100 includes provisions for illuminatingneedle 106 as well. In this embodiment, light sources 202 may includethird light source 253 and fourth light source 254 disposed within wall205. Third light source 253 and fourth light source 254 may illuminatecentral cavity 299 that is surrounded by wall 205. In some embodiments,cap 270 is configured to receive light from light sources 253 and 254and direct the light into needle 106. With this arrangement, needle 106may be illuminated and visible to a driver during low light situations.

Generally, light sources 202 could be any type of lighting configured toilluminate portions of dial plate 102. In some cases, light sources mayinclude compact fluorescent lights. In still other cases, light sources202 may include lighting from a halogen lamp. In an embodiment, lightsources 202 may be white light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

In some embodiments, case 212 is configured to direct light to variousportions of dial plate 102, including light-guide 116. As seen in FIG.2, light emitted from light sources 251 and 252 may scatter axially andradially towards dial plate 102 and light-guide 116. In someembodiments, the shape of case 212 may facilitate the transfer of lightthroughout interior cavity 210. In other embodiments, case 212 mayinclude reflective surfaces or coatings to increase light transfer fromlight sources 251 and 252 to light-guide 116.

In this embodiment, the shape of case 212 may help to direct light tolight-guide 116 as well as other portions of dial plate 102. In someembodiments, case 212 may be configured with a concave shape to directscattered light upward. In other embodiments, case 212 may be configuredwith another shape to direct scattered light in a desired direction. Insome embodiments, case 212 may have a concave shape that is generallyflat beneath central portion 110 and that curves upwards towards curvedperipheral portion 112. With this configuration, light emitted fromlight sources 251 and 252 may be reflected and directed towardlight-guide 116.

In some embodiments, interior surface 214 of case 212 may includeprovisions to direct or reflect the light emitted from light sources 251and 252 toward light-guide 116 in order to improve efficiency. In somecases, interior surface 214 may be a rough surface to produce diffusereflection. In other cases, interior surface 214 may be a smoothreflective surface. In an embodiment, interior surface 214 may bemanufactured or coated with a reflective material such as a reflectivepaint.

As seen in FIG. 2, when light is emitted by light sources 251 and 252,some light rays may escape directly to light-guide 116. Other light raysmay scatter and be reflected off structural components 207 and/orinterior surface 214 of case 212. Typically, multiple reflections oflight rays may occur within interior cavity 210 before light escapes vialight-guide 116. For example, a light ray from first light source 251may strike one of structural components 207 then reflect off interiorsurface 214 before escaping to light-guide 116. With this arrangement,light emitted from light-guide 116 may include light that is initiallyemitted from light sources 251 and 252 in any number of directions.

For purposes of clarity, the discussion regarding the lighting of meter100 is largely limited to the diffuse light provided by light-guide 116.However, in other embodiments, LCD displays or other lighting sourcesand devices may be used in addition to the diffuse light dispensed bylight-guide 116. In addition, in some embodiments, dial plate 102 mayalso be configured with transparent portions for back lighting.Generally, multiple lighting devices and effects may be employedsimultaneously.

FIG. 3 is a cross section of an embodiment of dial plate 102 andlight-guide 116. In this embodiment, dial plate 102 may be associatedwith axial direction 302. In this case, axial direction 302 is generallyperpendicular to central portion 110 of dial plate 102. In addition,dial plate 102 may be associated with radial direction 304. In thiscase, radial direction 304 is generally oriented outward from center 300of dial plate 102 toward curved peripheral portion 112.

In this embodiment, light-guide 116 includes top portion 352 and baseportion 351. Top portion 352 extends first axial height H1 above centralportion 110. By extending first axial height H1 above central portion110, top portion 352 may provide light-guide 116 with sufficient heightto illuminate a portion of curved peripheral portion 112. Also, baseportion 351 may be disposed adjacent to first side 371 of centralportion 110 in axial direction 302. With this arrangement, base portion351 may receive light from light sources disposed beneath second side372 of central portion 110.

As discussed with reference to FIG. 2, light from light sources 251 and252 may exit interior cavity 210 via light-guide 116. In particular,light may enter light-guide 116 at base portion 351. In someembodiments, base portion 351 includes blue printing to color lightexiting light-guide 116. Generally, base portion 351 may include anycolor printing to color light exiting light-guide 116. With thisarrangement, light-guide 116 may illuminate curved peripheral portion112 with a blue diffuse light.

In order to guide the light through light-guide 116, portions oflight-guide 116 may be opaque. For example, portions of light-guide 116may be painted or stamped with a paint or ink that does not transmitlight. In some embodiments, a silver hot stamp may be applied to topportion 352 and rear portion 353 of light-guide 116. In some embodimentswith this stamped arrangement, base portion 351 and light-exitingportion 350 are the only transparent portions of light-guide 116.Generally, any type of coating may be applied to any portion oflight-guide 116 to direct the transmission of light from light-guide116.

In this embodiment, light exiting portion 350 is oriented towards curvedperipheral portion 112 and configured to illuminate curved peripheralportion 112. The light directed through light exiting portion 350includes a component disposed in radial direction 304 and a componentdisposed in axial direction 302. With components of directions 302 and304, the light illuminates multiple portions of curved peripheralportion 112 of dial plate 102. In particular, light is directed so thatilluminated region 324 is lit with a generally diffuse light pattern.

In this embodiment, illuminated region 324 may extend from inner radialportion 320 to outer radial portion 322 to encompass a majority ofcurved peripheral portion 112. Inner radial portion 320 of curvedperipheral portion 112 is disposed adjacent to first side 371 of centralportion 110 with respect to axial direction 302. Also, outer radialportion 322 of curved peripheral portion 112 extends second axial heightH2 above central portion 110. In some embodiments, second axial heightH2 is greater than first axial height H1 of light-guide 116.

In some embodiments, the brightness of illuminated region 324 is evenlydistributed to provide a pleasing aesthetic look. In this embodiment,inner radial portion 320 may be associated with a first brightness.Furthermore, outer radial portion 322 may be associated with a secondbrightness. In some embodiments, the first brightness is substantiallyequal to the second brightness. In addition, curved peripheral portion112 may be associated with intermediate radial portion 321 that isdisposed between outer radial portion 322 and inner radial portion 320.Intermediate radial portion 321 may be associated with a thirdbrightness that is substantially similar to the first brightness andsecond brightness of radial portions 320 and 322, respectively. Usingthis arrangement, the diffuse light from light-guide 116 may be evenlydistributed throughout illuminated region 324 providing an aestheticallydesirable look for dial plate 102.

Referring to FIG. 4, a diffuse light pattern provided by light-guide 116is clearly visible on illuminated region 324. In particular, illuminatedregion 324 is disposed in a ring-like manner around curved peripheralportion 112. In this embodiment, illuminated region 324 illuminatesnumerical values ranging from 10 to 180 printed on curved peripheralportion 112. Generally, illuminated region 324 may be associated with atleast one indicia disposed on curved peripheral portion 112. With thisarrangement, a driver may clearly see the necessary informationindicated on meter 100 with the diffuse light provided by light-guide116.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, thedescription is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and itwill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restrictedexcept in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also,various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of theattached claims.

1. A motor vehicle, comprising: a dial plate including a central portionand a curved peripheral portion disposed radially away from the centralportion; a light-guide disposed on the dial plate radially inward of thecurved peripheral portion, the light-guide being configured to receivelight from at least one light source; and wherein the light-guideincludes a light exiting portion that is oriented towards the curvedperipheral portion and is tilted at an angle so as to direct light in adirection having a radial component and an axial component.
 2. The motorvehicle according to claim 1, wherein the light-guide extends a firstaxial height above the central portion, and the light-guide isconfigured such that the light exiting the light exiting portionilluminates the curved peripheral portion over an illuminated region,the illuminated region having a second axial height above the centralportion, wherein the second axial height is greater than the first axialheight.
 3. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the at leastone light source is disposed on a side of a case that is opposite a sideof the case associated with the dial plate, and an interior of the caseincludes a reflective cavity.
 4. The motor vehicle according to claim 1,wherein the light-guide has a ring-like shape.
 5. The motor vehicleaccording to claim 1, wherein the light-guide includes an opaque portionconfigured to prevent light from escaping from at least one portion ofthe light-guide.
 6. The motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein thelight-guide includes a base portion disposed adjacent to the centralportion.
 7. The motor vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the baseportion includes a color printing to color light passing through thebase portion.
 8. A motor vehicle, comprising: a dial plate including acentral portion and a curved peripheral portion disposed radially awayfrom the central portion; an outer radial portion of the curvedperipheral portion and an inner radial portion of the curved peripheralportion; a light-guide disposed radially inward of the curved peripheralportion; the light-guide receiving light from at least one light source,the light-guide including a light exiting portion configured toilluminate substantially the entirety of the curved peripheral portion,including the inner radial portion and the outer radial portion, suchthat the inner radial portion and the outer radial portion have aconstant brightness when viewed from an axial direction.
 9. The motorvehicle according to claim 8, wherein an illuminated region associatedwith the curved peripheral portion is associated with a generallydiffuse light pattern.
 10. The motor vehicle according to claim 9,wherein the illuminated region covers a majority of the curvedperipheral portion.
 11. The motor vehicle according to claim 9, whereinthe illuminated region is associated with at least one indicia disposedon the curved peripheral portion.
 12. The motor vehicle according toclaim 8, wherein the curved peripheral portion includes an intermediateradial portion disposed between the outer radial portion and the innerradial portion.
 13. The motor vehicle according to claim 12, wherein thelight exiting portion is configured to illuminate substantially theentirety of the curved peripheral portion, including the inner radialportion, the outer radial portion, and the intermediate radial portion;such that the inner radial portion, the outer radial portion, and theintermediate radial portion all have a constant brightness when viewedfrom an axial direction.
 14. A motor vehicle, comprising: a dial plateincluding a central portion and a curved peripheral portion disposedradially away from the central portion; a light-guide disposed radiallyinward of the curved peripheral portion, the light-guide receiving lightfrom at least one light source and being configured to direct lighttowards the curved peripheral portion; the light-guide having a baseportion and a top portion; the base portion being disposed adjacent to afirst side of the central portion with respect to an axial direction;the top portion extending a first axial height above the centralportion; the curved peripheral portion comprising an inner radialportion that is disposed adjacent to the first side of the centralportion with respect to the axial direction, and an outer radialportion; and the light-guide is configured such that light exiting thelight-guide illuminates the curved peripheral portion over anilluminated region, the illuminated region having a second axial heightabove the central portion, wherein the second axial height is greaterthan the first axial height.
 15. The motor vehicle according to claim14, wherein the light-guide includes a light exiting portion that isoriented towards the curved peripheral portion.
 16. The motor vehicleaccording to claim 14, wherein the inner radial portion is illuminatedby light exiting the light-guide so as to have a first brightness whenviewed from an axial direction.
 17. The motor vehicle according to claim16, wherein the outer radial portion is illuminated by light exiting thelight-guide so as to have a second brightness when viewed from an axialdirection.
 18. The motor vehicle according to claim 17, wherein thefirst brightness is substantially equal to the second brightness. 19.The motor vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the light-guideincludes a rear portion, disposed radially farthest from the curvedperipheral portion than any other portion of the light-guide, thatincludes a hot silver stamp.
 20. The motor vehicle according to claim14, wherein the light-guide is disposed proximally to the curvedperipheral portion.